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$55.00

(meaning "Pure Princess") is an exceptional dwarf spreading Japanese maple celebrated for its unique growth habit and tiny, delicate foliage. This cultivar features a distinctive low, spreading form that grows...
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Proudly Grown In Canada
Plants are propagated in Canada at our very own nursery here on Vancouver Island, BC.
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Cultivar

'Kiyohime'

(meaning "Pure Princess") is an exceptional dwarf spreading Japanese maple celebrated for its unique growth habit and tiny, delicate foliage. This cultivar features a distinctive low, spreading form that grows much wider than tall—reaching only 2-3 feet tall but spreading 6-7 feet wide in ten years, creating a dramatic mounding or groundcover effect that's absolutely unique. Exceptionally small leaves emerge in spring edged in beautiful purple-red, creating a stunning bi-color display. Spring color transitions to bright green through summer, then transforms to bright red to deep maroon in fall for spectacular seasonal color. The dense, multi-branched habit with tiny leaves and slow growth makes 'Kiyohime' a staple cultivar for bonsai culture—it's one of the most popular and reliable maples for bonsai enthusiasts worldwide. Exceptionally heat tolerant despite its delicate appearance. Perfect for containers, bonsai culture, cascading over walls or raised beds, as a groundcover in small gardens, in rock gardens, or anywhere you want a unique low-spreading dwarf maple with exceptional refinement. An essential choice for bonsai enthusiasts and collectors seeking a proven, reliable dwarf cultivar with distinctive spreading form and year-round beauty.

Japanese Maples

Japanese maples are among the most versatile and admired ornamental trees, prized for their elegant form, refined foliage, and year-round visual interest. Suitable for both garden planting and bonsai cultivation, these trees adapt beautifully to a wide range of landscapes and growing styles.

Growth Forms & Habits

Japanese maples are available in a wide variety of natural forms, including:

  • Upright and spreading forms ideal for specimen planting
  • Weeping and cascading varieties perfect for containers, slopes, and bonsai
  • Compact and dwarf cultivars well-suited to small gardens, patios, and detailed bonsai work

Their graceful branching structure provides beauty even in winter once leaves have fallen.

Foliage & Bark Characteristics

Cultivars display a remarkable range of ornamental traits, including:

  • Deep red, burgundy, and purple foliage, often changing through the seasons
  • Fresh green or chartreuse leaves with brilliant fall color
  • Variegated patterns with cream, pink, or white accents
  • Coral bark selections with striking winter stem color
  • Rough or fissured bark types prized for texture and age character

Leaf shapes range from finely dissected laceleaf forms to broader, classic palmate leaves.

Ideal for Bonsai & Garden Use

Japanese maples are highly valued for bonsai due to their fine branching, ability to reduce leaf size, and responsiveness to pruning and training. At the same time, they perform exceptionally well as garden trees—whether planted in the ground, grown in containers, or used as focal points in Japanese-inspired landscapes.

Why Choose Japanese Maples?

  • Four-season interest: Spring foliage, summer canopy, brilliant fall color, and elegant winter structure
  • Versatile sizing: Most varieties mature between 10–15 feet, perfect for small gardens and urban spaces
  • Low maintenance: Once established, Japanese maples are hardy and require minimal care
  • Container-friendly: Ideal for patios, balconies, or featured garden spots
  • Excellent for bonsai: Fine branching, leaf reduction, and responsive to training
Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Typical Japanese Maple growth form

Plant Sizes

We offer Japanese maples in several size categories. Measurements are approximate and provided as a general guideline.

Size Category Height Trunk Diameter Description
4" Liners 6–12 inches ¼–½ inch Young plants ideal for training, bonsai, or growing on
Standard 1-Gallon 6–24 inches ¾–1½ inches Well-established plants suitable for landscape or container growing
1-Gallon Extra Large (XL) 12–48 inches ¾–2 inches Grown for a longer period, resulting in better branching, thicker trunks, and a more mature appearance

Please note: Plant size and form will vary depending on the cultivar purchased. Dwarf varieties will naturally be smaller and more compact than standard varieties, even within the same pot size.

Grown in Canada, for Canada. All our Japanese maples are cultivated and shipped from our Canadian nursery with care, ensuring they arrive healthy and ready to thrive in your climate.

 

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Acer palmatum 'Kiyohime'
Hardiness Zones
5-8
Mature Height
2-3 ft. tall (in 10 years)
Mature Width
6-7 ft. wide (in 10 years)
Sun Needs
Partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun preferred, protect from hot afternoon sun)
Water Needs
Moderate - keep soil consistently moist but well-drained
Growth Rate
Slow (4-6 inches per year)
Defining Characteristic
Tiny leaves with distinctive spreading habit that grows much wider than tall
Exceptional Dwarf Spreading Habit

Exceptional Dwarf Spreading Habit

'Kiyohime' features a unique spreading growth habit that grows much wider than tall—reaching only 2-3 feet tall but spreading 6-7 feet wide in ten years. This distinctive low, mounding form creates a dramatic groundcover effect that's absolutely unique among Japanese maples, perfect for cascading over walls or filling wide, shallow spaces.
Tiny Leaves with Purple-Red Spring Edges

Tiny Leaves with Purple-Red Spring Edges

Features exceptionally small, delicate leaves edged in beautiful purple-red each spring, creating a stunning bi-color effect. The tiny foliage provides incredibly refined texture and creates a lacy, delicate appearance. Spring color transitions to bright green in summer, then transforms to bright red to deep maroon in fall for spectacular seasonal interest.
Bonsai and Container Staple

Bonsai and Container Staple

Dense, multi-branched habit with tiny leaves and slow growth makes 'Kiyohime' a staple cultivar for bonsai culture and container growing. The naturally compact form, tight branching, and small leaf size allow for detailed training and refinement—it's one of the most popular and reliable cultivars for bonsai enthusiasts worldwide.

Sun Needs

Partial shade to filtered sun (morning sun preferred, protect from hot afternoon sun)

Soil

Prefers rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). Excellent drainage is critical for healthy growth. Amend heavy clay with organic matter to improve drainage. Avoid compacted or waterlogged soils which can lead to root stress and poor performance.

Temperature

Hardy in zones 5-8. Exceptionally heat tolerant for a dwarf cultivar. Protect from harsh winter winds and late spring frosts. Young trees benefit from afternoon shade in hot climates, though this cultivar handles heat better than most dwarf maples.

Water and Mulching

Water deeply and consistently, especially in the first 2–3 years. 'Kiyohime' requires regular moisture to maintain healthy growth and prevent stress on delicate foliage. Apply 2–3 inches of organic mulch around the base (keep off the trunk) to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and protect the shallow root system. Consistent moisture is essential for this slow-growing dwarf cultivar.

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